Apple Pay

How Apple Pay works in each country we track, and the local alternative where it doesn't.

• China🟡Local app preferred

  Cards work at some spots, but locals pay by QR. Link a Visa/Mastercard inside Alipay or WeChat Pay before you go.

  Use instead: Alipay / WeChat Pay

• Dominican Republic🟢Works fine

  Apple Pay is officially supported in the Dominican Republic via participating Mastercard and Visa cards.

• France🟢Works fine

  Apple Pay and contactless cards are widely accepted across France.

• Germany🟡Local app preferred

  Apple Pay works at chains, but many small shops and restaurants are cash-only. Carry euros.

  Use instead: Cash (euros)

• Ghana🟡Local app preferred

  Apple Pay isn't supported; Visa/Mastercard work at hotels and larger shops; Mobile Money (MTN MoMo) dominates day-to-day — it needs a local SIM.

  Use instead: Mobile Money (MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, AirtelTigo Money)

• Italy🟢Works fine

  Apple Pay and contactless are broadly accepted; keep some cash for small cafés and rural spots.

• Japan🟡Local app preferred

  Apple Pay + Suica cover trains, konbini and chains, but many small restaurants and shops are cash- or PayPay-only — carry yen.

  Use instead: Suica (Apple Wallet) · PayPay QR (via Alipay+)

• Liberia🔴Blocked

  Card terminals are rare. Most transactions are cash (USD & LRD) or carrier mobile money via USSD codes.

  Use instead: Cash / mobile money (USSD)

• Mexico🟡Local app preferred

  Cards and Apple Pay work in cities, but markets, taxis and small towns are cash-first.

  Use instead: Cash (pesos)

• Netherlands🟢Works fine

  Widely accepted contactless; works with US cards if supported.

• Norway🟢Works fine

  Apple Pay is accepted widely via contactless NFC in Norway.

• Poland🟢Works fine

  Apple Pay is supported in Poland; you can add U.S. cards if issuers allow.

• Spain🟢Works fine

  Apple Pay and contactless are widely accepted across Spain.

• Thailand🟡Local app preferred

  Cards work in cities, but street vendors and markets prefer PromptPay QR or cash.

  Use instead: PromptPay QR